FORMER Blackburn Rovers and Southend left back Sam Hart has tonight become Latics' second summer signing.

Hot on the heels of Hallam Hope's arrival, Hart has been added to bring both silk and steel to Keith Curle's squad.

The 24-year-old, who has signed a one-year deal with a further option, returns to the north west after turning down a new deal at relegated Southend United, where he played 21 times in the second half of last season.

Hart was part of the youth set-up at both Manchester United and Liverpool before being sold to Blackburn in 2017.

He had loan spells with Rochdale, Southend and Shrewsbury before making the switch back to Roots Hall permanent in November 2020.

Latcis head coach Curle said: “Sam is someone who still has huge potential but is now at a point in his career where he has matured from his experiences which will make him become an important part of the team we’re building here.

“He is eager to learn and be successful in the way we want to play. He’s the typical type of wing-back where he’ll have an impact on a regular basis in games.

“He’ll open teams up with his speed and physicality and I’ve been an admirer of his qualities when he’s been on the opposing side in the past.”

Latics return for pre-season training at the end of this week but Hart will be unable to join them until his contract expires at the end of the month.

The move is subject to FA and EFL approval.